"To say I'm disappointed is an understatement," said Mr Wildman, speaking at the family home in Beswicks Lane.

"I mean what's the point of having planning officers if they're not in power of acting out the law?

"The officers have advised us on changes to get the planning application passed and we've done that.

"Each time the planning officers have recommended approval the councillors have turned it down, I just don't get it."

The row started after next door neighbour Soren Tattam said the unauthorised changes to approved plans led to an invasion of his privacy because windows directly overlooked the master bedroom at his Gore Lane home.

Mr Tattam also claimed noise from vehicles using the garage would be a disturbance.

A planning spokesman said the revised plan, submitted with the application, shows a window and door being removed, a bullseye window being permanently closed with obscure glazing and the garage doors being relocated.

The existing opening would be bricked up but a parapet would be retained, he said.

Coun John Parkinson recommended refusal and that the property be knocked down, adding: "You don't expect to be looking at something like that when you are living in the country."

Mr Wildman is appealing against the decision and says planning officers, who originally backed the plan, will have to find reasons to support the councillors' decision.